The Federal Reserve is expected to deliver its first interest-rate cut this year at its September 16-17 meeting, as it moves to counter a cooling labor market even as inflation remains above target. The anticipated quarter-point reduction may not satisfy President Donald Trump, who wants a bigger cut and has named his White House economic advisor, Stephen Miran, in time to be on the Fed Board at the September meeting, pending Senate confirmation. Here is a look at Fed officials' comments since their last policy meeting, sorting them under the labels "dove" and "hawk" as shorthand for their...
The Australian Dollar (AUD) gains ground against the US Dollar (USD) on Wednesday, extending its winning streak for the fourth successive session. The AUD/USD pair appreciates amid improving market sentiment, driven by the US President Donald Trump's announcement of a major tariff deal with Japan, which includes a 15% tariff on Japanese exports. Additionally, talks between the United States (US) and China are gaining momentum ahead of the August 12 deadline. Westpac reports that its Leading Index continues to reflect weakening momentum. The six-month annualised growth rate in the...
The Japanese yen held its recent advance to around 146.5 per dollar on Wednesday, hovering at a near two-week high following news of a trade agreement between the US and Japan. The deal, announced by President Donald Trump, includes a 15% tariff on Japanese exports to the US. Trump also stated that Japan will invest $550 billion into the US and open its markets to key American goods. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba confirmed he had been briefed on the negotiations but offered no details, reaffirming his commitment to protecting the "national interest." Separately, reports suggested Ishiba is...
Gold held a three-day advance, as US President Donald Trump announced a highly-anticipated trade deal with Japan, signaling progress on fraught talks ahead of his Aug. 1 tariff deadline. Bullion traded near $3,430 an ounce — up 2.5% so far this week — as Trump announced it would impose 15% and 19% tariffs on goods from Japan and the Philippines, a strategic geopolitical ally. With several countries racing to secure trade deals, investors are seeking clarity specifically on progress with China. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he will meet his Chinese counterparts...
Brent rose toward $69 a barrel after a three-day decline, while West Texas Intermediate was near $66 a barrel. President Donald Trump unveiled an agreement with the Philippines setting a 19% tariff and a deal with Japan that sets a 15% rate, fueling a rally in Asian shares and US stock futures. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he will meet his Chinese counterparts for trade talks in Stockholm next week, and will "be working out what is likely an extension" to the current Aug. 12 deadline for negotiations. He also said that the...
The dollar held losses against the yen on Wednesday after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a trade deal with Japan ahead of an impending tariff deadline. Trump said the agreement will result in Japan investing $550 billion into the United States and a tariff rate of 15% was set on U.S. imports from Japan. With an August 1 deadline looming before the imposition of sweeping import duties on trade partners, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Monday the administration is more concerned with the quality of trade agreements than the timing. Asked whether the deadline could be...
President Donald Trump said he would fire Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve's Board of Governors if she does not resign her post over mortgage-fraud accusations from a top...
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) maintained its cash rate at 4.1% during its April meeting, holding borrowing costs unchanged after slashing 25 bps in the February meeting, aligning with market...